For some, exercise is just a means to an end. But for Kate Hudson, it’s a way of life.
“I need to be moving to feel good,” she once told People. “Even if it’s just a little movement every day — going for a walk, spending a few minutes on the treadmill, some Pilates, or, when I have more time, I love hot yoga.”
Hudson has always embraced an active lifestyle and often speaks about the physical and mental benefits of staying active.
“I really enjoy working up a sweat, and it helps clear my mind,” the 45-year-old shared with People. “It’s not just about looking good physically; it’s important for me to get oxygen to my brain and feel like my blood is really circulating. I love skiing, walking, hiking, and especially biking — it makes me feel like a kid again!”
Hudson also takes a balanced approach to eating, telling Shape that she “hates the idea” of strict dieting.
“It puts so much pressure on people to lose weight quickly. Getting healthy isn’t a two-week process; it’s a lifestyle change,” she explained to the magazine, according to People.
Hudson’s approach to health and wellness is something we could all learn from. Curious about her secrets? Let’s dive in.
She Prioritizes Strength Training
Before working out with personal trainer Brian Nguyen, Hudson didn’t focus much on strength training. But she soon realized it was the missing piece in her fitness routine.
“One day, I tuned in and thought, ‘I don’t feel strong; I feel long, and I love my Pilates, but as I get older… am I doing enough strength exercises?'” she told TODAY.com earlier this year.
Now, Hudson and Nguyen incorporate a variety of strength training exercises, like planks, lunges, bodyweight squats, and hip and glute bridges.
Nguyen shared with Shape that Hudson was initially hesitant about strength training, especially heavy lifting.
“She used to think she couldn’t do it, but now we’re having fun pushing past her limits,” he said. “Kate’s not afraid of heavy weights — they need to be heavy enough that her form falters and she has to regain control. We focus on mastering the basics, which allows her to play with speed, heavier loads, and instability.”
She Loves Pilates
Hudson discovered Pilates at 19, and it’s been a staple in her fitness routine ever since.
“It’s the workout my body responds to best. It’s all about alignment, elongating the spine, and strengthening the core. It makes me feel my strongest,” she told Shape, according to PopSugar.
In an interview with Self, Hudson expressed how Pilates helps her reconnect with her body in a way no other workout does.
She Believes in Individualized Workouts
Hudson recognizes that everyone’s fitness journey is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. She encourages finding a workout that suits your lifestyle.
“We’re all different, with individual needs, desires, and preferences — we have to find what makes us happy and keeps us moving,” she told Women’s Health. “If you like biking, go for a ride. If you enjoy hiking, go for a hike. If swimming is your thing, then swim.”
She’s Passionate About Nutrition
Hudson has access to top personal trainers and nutritionists, but she doesn’t rely on them to do all the work. She’s deeply passionate about food and nutrition, and she encourages others to be as well.
“You have to be passionate about what you’re putting in your body, why you’re putting it in, and when. Learning about nutrition is essential,” she told E! News earlier this year. “You have to want to love learning.”
Yoga Was Essential During Her Last Pregnancy
In 2019, Hudson shared on Instagram that yoga was a “huge part” of her pregnancy journey, highlighting its “wonderful connective benefits.”
“I loved practicing with my growing belly and connecting to my daughter’s beautiful spirit,” she wrote.
She Tracks Her Nutrient Intake
Keeping tabs on your nutrient intake can be daunting, but Hudson uses tools like MyFitnessPal to make it easier.
“Food is 80% of the challenge… Tracking it, knowing it, and understanding it is something I’m passionate about,” she told TODAY.com earlier this year.
While filming the 2011 movie Something Borrowed, Hudson gained 10-15 pounds and started tracking her food intake to understand why.
“I started tracking and realized I was eating about 3,000 calories of just nuts… Without that insight, I would’ve never known,” she said.
She Sees an Active Lifestyle as a Privilege
While workouts can sometimes feel like a chore, Hudson views them differently.
“When people ask me what my best day is, it always includes something active because I actually have time to enjoy it,” she told Shape. “I have to move… Sitting around isn’t a luxury to me; it’s a signal to get moving. I see it as a privilege to feel strong and healthy, and I never want to take that for granted.”
She’s Open to Trying New Workouts
Hudson’s fitness routine includes a variety of workouts, from boxing and hiking to Barry’s Bootcamp and pole dancing.
While discussing pole dancing with Shape, she explained why it’s such an effective workout.
“For me, it’s the strongest my body feels, and I enjoy it because I can just play music and dance,” she said. “When I feel strong, I’m usually doing more tricks on the pole.”
Dancing is also one of her favorite ways to break a sweat.
“Dance is one of my favorite ways to express myself, but the discipline of it — continuously pushing to improve — is what I love most,” she told People.
She’s Upped Her Protein Intake
You can’t achieve your fitness goals without the right fuel, and Hudson knows the importance of proper nutrition.
“Food is everything,” she told TODAY.com earlier this year. “The food we eat is fuel for our body.”
During a visit to TODAY in Studio 1A, Hudson mentioned that she’s trying to eat more protein these days.
“Women, especially, should be eating more protein, especially in the morning,” she advised.
She’s Passing Her Love of Fitness to Her Kids
In 2021, Hudson shared a post-workout photo with her daughter Rani and reflected on how fitness has always been part of her life.
“I grew up watching my parents take care of their bodies. People often ask how I stay motivated to stay in shape. The answer is, it’s what I know. It’s how I was raised. It’s ingrained in me that honoring and working our bodies is a gift, and I don’t take that for granted,” she wrote.
“I love moving. I love when it’s challenging. I love being in charge of my results. And I love seeing my daughter have fun doing it with me. They watch everything we do! Gotta make some good moves for the kids.”
She’s Never Been an ‘Extremist’ About Her Diet
Life’s too short to cut out your favorite foods completely, and Hudson understands that balance is key.
“I’ve never been an extremist. I love food, and I love a good cocktail,” she told People. “For me, it’s about moderation. I’m mindful of what I put in my body, but I also believe it’s okay to enjoy yourself.”
As a Weight Watchers ambassador, Hudson shared with TODAY.com her balanced approach to eating.
“I love food too much to live a life that restricts anything and everything. If someone told me I couldn’t have bread, I’d say, ‘Wrong, girl!'” she said.
Instead of cutting out entire food groups, Hudson has learned to “eat accordingly during the day” when she wants to indulge in her favorite foods or drinks.
“The goal is to live our lives and enjoy everything,” she explained.
She Values a Strong Support System
Hudson knows the importance of having a support system to help achieve health and wellness goals.
“Having access to support is really important… We can’t do it alone. Some people might be able to, but most of us, like me, need a support system,” she told TODAY.com.
